Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has introduced legislation that would make criticism from white people against minorities a federal crime.
QUICK FACTS:
- Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has introduced a House Bill to criminalize “conspiracy to commit white supremacy,” which includes any criticism of non-white people that influences someone who commits a hate crime.
- The legislation, titled ‘Leading Against White Supremacy Act of 2023,’ claims a person “engages in white supremacy when white supremacy ideology has motivated the planning, development, preparation, or perpetration of actions that constituted a crime.”
- According to the act, “conspiracy” to participate in white supremacy exists when material “was published on a social media platform or by other means of publication with the likelihood that it would be viewed by persons who are predisposed to engaging in any action in furtherance of a white supremacy inspired hate crime, or who are susceptible to being encouraged to engage in actions in furtherance of a white supremacy inspired hate crime.”
- The congresswoman argues that the DOJ should then be authorized to “investigate, intercede, and undertake other actions that it deems necessary and appropriate to interdict, mitigate, or prevent such action from culminating in violent activity.”
MORE FROM THE BILL:
“Mass shootings and other hate crimes motivated by white supremacy have been increasing in frequency and intensity. These heinous and virulent crimes are inspired by conspiracy theories, blatant bigotry, and mythical falsehoods such as ‘replacement theory’. All instances must be prevented and severe criminal penalties must be applied to their perpetrators,” the bill reads.
BACKGROUND:
- In February 2022, Jackson Lee sponsored H.R. 40, a bill calling for the creation of an expert panel to study the legacy of slavery and consider reparations for Black Americans.
- “In short, the Commission aims to study the impact of slavery and continuing discrimination against African-Americans, resulting directly and indirectly from slavery to segregation to the desegregation process and the present day. The commission would also make recommendations concerning any form of apology and compensation to begin the long delayed process of atonement for slavery,” the congresswoman’s website reads.
- “The impact of slavery and its vestiges continues to effect African Americans and indeed all Americans in communities throughout our nation,” it continues. “This legislation is intended to examine the institution of slavery in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present, and further recommend appropriate remedies.”
